Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Area Management Office

02/09/2026

IRR Study Program on Sustainable Peatland Management: Visit to Caimpugan Peat Swamp Forest | August 27–28, 2026

The Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) hosted participants of the IRRR Study Program on Sustainable Peatland Management during their visit to the Caimpugan Peat Swamp Forest and Panlabuhan Lake System on August 27–28, 2026. The activity brought together representatives from the Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) of Palo, Santa Fe, Alangalang, and San Miguel; the Provincial Local Government of Leyte (PLGU Leyte); International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), and Visayas State University (VSU).

The visit provided an opportunity for the participants to gain a deeper appreciation of the ecological, socio-economic, and climate-regulating importance of peatland ecosystems, particularly the need to conserve and sustainably manage these critical habitats. Through field exposure, knowledge sharing, and discussions on conservation and management approaches, the activity also served as a benchmarking opportunity for participants to learn from the experiences, practices, and management strategies being implemented in the peatlands of AMWS.

The exchange highlighted the importance of collaboration, science-based management, community participation, and knowledge sharing in safeguarding peatlands while sustaining the benefits they provide to people and the environment.

02/09/2026

25/08/2026

In behalf of the Protected Area Management Office of Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (PAMO-AMWS), we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and sponsors who contributed to the success of the ASEAN Heritage Parks Youth Camp 2026. We sincerely thank DENR–PENRO Agusan del Sur, the Provincial Tourism Office - Agusan del Sur, Philippine National Police /MPS-Bunawan, Bureau of Fire–Bunawan, and MDRRMO–Bunawan Bunawan, Agusan del Sur for your invaluable support, cooperation, and assistance throughout the camp. Your dedication helped provide our youth participants with a safe, meaningful, and inspiring experience as they explored the natural and cultural heritage of Agusan del Sur and strengthened their commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship. Your partnership reminds us that protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and that by working together, we can empower the next generation to become responsible stewards and champions of nature.

Daghang salamat sa inyong padayon nga suporta, serbisyo, ug pakighiusa para sa kalikupan!

21/08/2026

Our Youth Keepers ventured to the breathtaking Lake Panlabuhan in Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary to capture stunning landscapes, wildlife, and moments of connection with nature for the camp’s Photo Contest.

Beyond the competition, the activity encouraged our young environmental advocates to see, appreciate, and tell the story of nature through their own lenses—turning every photograph into a reminder of why places like Agusan Marsh are worth protecting.

A heartfelt thank you to Gab Mejia, a photographer and National Geographic Explorer for the generous sponsorship and support that helped make this meaningful experience possible for our youth participants. Your generosity gave them the opportunity to explore, create, and capture the beauty of one of Agusan Marsh’s remarkable landscapes.

20/08/2026

Tour to Lake Panlabuhan System and cultural emersion 🧡

20/08/2026

Thank you so much Provincial Tourism Office - Agusan del Sur—🫶😇

20/08/2026

AGUSANMARSHKEEPERS | YOUTH4AGUSAN

Here are some highlights from the AMWS ASEAN Heritage Park Youth Camp 2026 Day 1

19/08/2026

FIRST PHILIPPINE RECORD OF THE PIED HERON (Egretta picata)

A remarkable avifaunal discovery at Lake Mambagongon, Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS)!

The Pied Heron (Egretta picata) was observed foraging along the shallow margins of Lake Mambagongon—representing a potential first documented record of the species in the Philippines, subject to the appropriate verification and review process.

The bird was generally wary but loosely gregarious, typically foraging alone but also observed alongside Javan Pond Heron (Ardeola speciosa) and other egrets in the shallow waters of the lake.

Its flight was steady, characterized by deliberate wingbeats interspersed with short glides. Distinctive field characteristics included yellow to olive-yellow legs, yellow eyes and bill, glossy gray patches on the head, neck, and upperparts, a predominantly white throat, breast, and belly, and contrasting black wings.

This observation underscores the importance of Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary as a vital wetland habitat for avifaunal diversity and highlights the value of continued biodiversity monitoring, documentation, and collaboration in detecting significant species occurrences.

👥 Observers / PAMO Monitoring Team:
May B. Tumarao, Reo C. Entia, Jindy Queen A. Quidet, Sherrilyn A. Vasquez, Ed Joseph Otaza, Harold Jay Sumilhig, Darrie Campos

📍 Lake Mambagongon, Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (N 08°15.5271' E 125°51.5605')
📷August 12, 2026 9:58 am

17/08/2026

The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) conducted the 2nd Semester CY 2026 Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS), including field monitoring and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with communities in identified BMS sites.

The monitoring recorded 2,665 individual fauna, including 1,606 individuals representing 20 priority species. The FGDs further documented 8 fish, 5 reptile, and 3 mammal species. Lake Panlabuhan recorded the highest bird abundance with 751 individuals, while Lake Tugno had the highest species richness with 36 species.

The overall Shannon-Wiener Index of 3.412 and Simpson’s Index of 0.9446 indicate high biodiversity and relatively low species dominance within AMWS. While overall fauna abundance decreased compared with the 1st semester, priority species richness increased from 19 to 20 species, which may reflect seasonal and hydrological variations.

The assessment also identified continuing threats, including water hyacinth and other invasive species, agricultural activities, improper waste disposal, timber harvesting, illegal fishing and wildlife hunting, and human–wildlife conflict.

The results will guide LAWIN patrols, biodiversity monitoring, CEPA activities, invasive species management, and community-based conservation efforts toward the continued protection of the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary.

09/08/2026

Today, we honor the culture, traditions, knowledge, and deep connection to nature of Indigenous Peoples who have long been stewards of our forests, wetlands, rivers, and biodiversity.

In Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Indigenous communities are an integral part of the marsh—carrying generations of traditional knowledge, sustainable practices, and cultural heritage that contribute to the protection of this vital wetland.

Let us celebrate their identity, respect their rights, value their knowledge, and recognize their vital role in conserving nature for generations to come.

Together, we carry the torch, uphold the spirit of environmentalism, and inspire action for a greener future.

Our culture. Our knowledge. Our land. Our future.